In a stunning development, Michael Muhney (Adam Newman) has been let go from The Young and the Restless. The actor took to Twitter to announce the news, which blindsided fans of the top-rated soap.

"I'm so sorry. It breaks my heart to say this, but I was just let go from Y&R. My last day on set is this Thursday," Muhney wrote. "I'm going to take some private time with my wife & kids, as I am most concerned for their well-being... I have 3 final episodes to film, and because they are my last, I will be giving it everything I have. More details will follow..."

Muhney assumed the role of Adam Newman in July 2009 when actor Chris Engen exited the show over his unhappiness with the direction of the character. Prior to joining The Young and the Restless, Muhney was well known for his role as Don Lamb on the primetime series Veronica Mars.

In April, Muhney signed a new contract with Y&R.

The news of Muhney's firing incensed fans, many of whom are still smarting from the high-profile exits earlier this year of Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) and Billy J. Miller (Billy Abbott) as well as the death of the legendary Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor).

Fans immediately took to the Soap Central message boards and social media to blast the decision. "I won't be watching Y&R after Michael leaves," shared one fan.

A vocal critic of what he'd called flaws and cronyism involved in the Emmy voting process, Muhney earned his first Daytime Emmy nomination earlier this year in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category.

Details of how Adam will exit the canvas haven't been revealed, and The Young and the Restless has not issued a formal statement regarding Muhney's ouster.

Muhney will last appear on-screen on January 30, 2014.

What are your thoughts on Muhney being let go? Should Adam be recast at some point? Will the loss of another top-billed star hurt Y&R? Tell us in the Comments section below or share your thoughts via Feedback by clicking here.